Lung Cancer Awareness Month - a time to offer practical information and support

Posted: 31/10/2023

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign aiming to raise awareness and understanding of lung cancer. It provides a platform to inform the public about the disease, the risks associated, and the treatments and support available, as well as the importance of early detection. 

Lung cancer is responsible for one in seven of all new UK cancer cases, and is still the most common cause of cancer death in the UK, accounting for 21% of all cancer deaths, even though the rates of mortality have decreased by almost a third. 

Although lung cancer may not always be apparent early on, the main symptoms of the disease include:

• a cough for three weeks or more;
• a change in a cough you have had for a long time;
• repeated chest infections, or a chest infection that does not improve;
• feeling breathless and wheezy for no reason;
• coughing up blood;
• chest or shoulder pain that does not get better;
• a hoarse voice for three weeks or more;
• losing appetite or weight;
• feeling tired.

If you are concerned about any of these symptoms, please contact your GP. 

The UK National Screening Committee has recommended a screening programme for people at high risk. This means that anyone aged between 55 and 74 who smokes, or has smoked in the past, should be invited to an assessment. 

Aline Constan, an associate at Penningtons Manches Cooper, comments: “As with most cancers, the key to greater survival prospects is normally early detection. Sadly, we are still working regularly with clients who are suffering with lung cancer, often where the disease has spread to other parts of the body, which usually means a poorer long-term prognosis. We receive enquiries from clients or their families who are concerned that they have not been investigated properly or that the results have not been reported or followed up appropriately.”

Should you, a family member, or friend have any concerns regarding a delay in diagnosing lung cancer, please contact our specialist team. 

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